The Rapture. The End Times. Left Behind. Both Catholics and Protestants are more than familiar with these dooms day scenarios. Both point to the Bible as the one true source for this belief. Catholics and Portestants can read the same scripture, yet walk away with very different understanding.
We do not believe in the Rapture. Without the Rapture, there would be no one “Left Behind”. Since the day Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven, every generation has fallen victim to the same End Times scenario. We have looked for signs and wonders, pointed to this event or that as fulfillment of scripture and felt certain the final judgment day was near. Jesus spoke of these beliefs, and warned against false prophets, false teachings, false Messiahs that would lead many astray. As for His return, anyone who says the Bible holds the key and therefore can predict the year, the week, the day or hour is not listening. There is an entire passage contained in Matthew (24:36-44) that is read, interpreted and understood very differently between Catholic and Protestant teachings.
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Those who believe in the Rapture will point to this as proof. Those who do not have a completely different interpretation. If you read this passage with the notion that the Rapture is true, those left behind were not true followers. If you read this with a warning not to be fooled, or swept away by false teachings, those who stood firm were the true believers. It’s all a matter of prespective.
The vast majority of Christians believe in the idea of the Rapture. It gives them a false sense of peace. The end times are going to be ugly. According to Revelations, Tribulation will be a final battle followed by the final judgment. Most Christians believe there will be two judgments. The first is upon our death – each of us is judged on how we lived. This first judgment is a personal judgment. The second judgment will not come until the end of days, in the Final Judgment. All of mankind will be judges together. It is than the nations will be gathered and Christ, surrounded by His angels, will separate the sheep from the goats. It is the eternal judgment, the eternal punishment. No one wants to be alive during that final battle, when the gloves finally come off and we see evil for what it is. The idea of being Raptured, and therefore spared is appealing. But then that would make those raptured loved by God more than those who parished in the Nazi Death Camps. Those ruptured would be more precious to God than the children gunned down in churches and classrooms. It doesn’t work like that. God does love us. He sends His angels to whisper to those who have chosen to let evil rein in their hearts to turn away. All any of us need do is reach out, take His hand. Prayer can move mountains, if you first believe.
There are times when I have looked to the events of the world and wondered “are we living in the end times?” It certainly seems that way. But then again, the struggle between good and evil is the oldest struggle of all. Since the days of Adam and Eve Satan has tempted, tricked, lied, and sought the ruin of souls. The events of September 11, 2001 were not the beginning of the end. The beginning of the end began when the gates of Eden were closed. As evil as the world may seem at times, love still exists. Be that light of love to others.
Chorizo Street Tacos and Pinto Beans
Street Tacos
1 lb Chorizo
1/2 lb Ground Beef
30 Street Taco Corn Tortillas
1 White Onion
1 cup Cilantro 1 cup Cotija Crumble Cheese
Heat oven to 250-degrees.
In a skillet fry the two meats together. Drain well and keep warm unit ready to assemble the tacos.
While the meats cook, peel and dice the onion. Snip cilantro; set aside.
On a flat skillet or griddle lightly oiled warm the tortillas. Once warmed, set aside.
On an oven-proof platter place a bowl in the center to hold the beans. Arrange the torn tortillas, double stacked, around the bowl creating 15 small tacos. Divide the meat among the taco shells, fold over and press down lightly to hold their shape. Cover and place in the oven to keep warm.
Spicy Mexican Pinto Beans
2 cans Pinto Beans in a Chili Sauce
2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
Pinch Ghost Pepper Seasoning
1 Jalapeño Pepper
Empty beans with their spiced juices into a saucepan. Add taco seasoning and a pinch of ground Ghost Pepper. Gently warm the beans.
While the beans warm, stem and slice the jalapeño. Remove the serving platter from the oven, pour beans into the bowl in the center. Garnish with sliced jalapeños.
Scatter cilantro and diced onions in the tacos just before serving. Serve with crumbled cheese to pass around the table.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
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